Frame Size (H x L): 11.5” x 15.25”
Flag Size (H x L): 5.25” x 9”  

Offered is a cotton flag from the 1936 Berlin Olympics, featuring the five interlocking Olympic rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red. The rings are centered on the fabric in their traditional overlapping pattern, symbolizing the unity of the five continents. Beneath the rings, the inscription "Berlin 1936 Olympics" is handwritten in a simple, faded script. This flag is a historical artifact from one of the most politically significant Olympic Games.

The Olympic rings, designed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913 and officially adopted in 1914, represent the unity of the world's nations through sport. The five rings symbolize the five inhabited continents—Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania—while their colors, along with the white background, were  Antwerp Olympics, the flag has since become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Games, representing excellence, friendship, and respect.

The 1936 Summer Olympics, held in Berlin, Germany, were among the most controversial in Olympic history. Hosted under Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime, the Games were intended to showcase Germany’s resurgence and promote Nazi ideology. The German government used the event as a propaganda tool, presenting an image of national unity while discriminating against Jewish citizens and other marginalized groups.

Despite calls for a boycott, most nations chose to participate, and the Games became the first to be broadcast live on television. The Berlin Olympics also introduced the modern Olympic torch relay, carrying the flame from Olympia, Greece, to the host city, a tradition that continues today.

The Games also became a stage for athletic achievements that countered Nazi ideology. African American track and field star Jesse Owens won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100-meter relay. His victories contradicted Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy and remain a defining moment in sports history. Other notable athletes included Japanese swimmer Masanori Yusa and German fencer Helene Mayer, the latter of whom, despite being of partial Jewish descent, was included on the German team to maintain international credibility.

This flag, a relic from the 1936 Games, reflects the complex legacy of these Olympics. While the Nazi regime sought to use the Games for political purposes, the performances of athletes like Owens highlighted the true spirit of competition. The Olympic rings on this flag reinforce the ideals of unity and international cooperation. Today, artifacts like this preserve the memory of a time when sports and politics intersected on the world stage.

Frame: The antique frame is made of tiger maple, showcasing its distinctive wavy grain pattern and warm, rich tones.

Condition Report: The flag shows signs of age, with visible creases, discoloration, and minor wear throughout the fabric. The edges appear slightly frayed, and the colors of the Olympic rings have somewhat faded but remain distinguishable. Despite these signs of use and age, the flag retains its historical integrity and significance.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors 
Date of Origin: 1936